The Villa Times - 28/12/2005

Mark Delaney has backed the news that a takeover of Villa might happen. Mind you, I wouldn't hold your breath, the latest whispers suggest that the report in the Mail last week saying a deal could be done by the end of the year might be slightly wide of the mark! Talking about Mark, he said (I know, terrible link!): 'If it does happen it would be a big lift. As players, we´ve just got to get results on the pitch and everything else will follow.'

And Angel added: 'If it is good for the club, it is good for everyone. You never know if a takeover will be good but I am sure the directors will make the best decision for the club and the future. When you have money, it means you are going to get more quality players and that is good.'

De La Cruz has said he is looking to leave Villa - hopefully in January - in order to push is World Cup ambitions. Full Story: Click Here

Mellberg has rubbished reports that he wants out from Villa calling it 'bulls***' and has scoffed at the suggestion he might look to move to Birmingham City. FFS, who ever thought that one up!? Full Story: Click Here

O'Leary is looking to keep Eirik Bakke on loan despite the fact it will block him from moving for Robert Huth from Chelsea. A Premiership side can only loan two players and Villa already have James Milner from Newcastle for the rest of the season. Bakke's loan period ends at the end of January. O'Leary said: 'With the size of our squad we badly need to keep Eirik. I must sort it out with Leeds.'

Our Christmas poll asked what Villans wanted for Christmas. 53% said 9 points, 24% Ellis to leave, 11% wanted O'Leary sacked, a father 3% Bruce sacked or an X box and the final 6% wanted world peace! Full story: Click Here

Davis has said that Villa can still make Europe, 'Everyone's aim at the start of the season was to try and get into Europe. We had a disappointing start and is has been a matter of trying to get a bit of consistency and a run of results together. If you do that, you will climb the table quite quickly. If we can do that over Christmas then we will be looking good for the new year.' Full story: Click Here

Lee Hendrie missed the game v Everton and has started speculation about his future, however it appears that Lee has picked up an Achilles injury hence his absence. That might keep the Wolves at bay.

Thought for the day: The more you learn, the more you know. The more you know, the more you forget. The more you forget, the less you know. So why bother to learn?!